There are six Brunnstrom stages that describe the process of movement recovery after stroke. Here's what each stage means for your arm and what you can do for home exercise to maximize function.

Understanding the Brunnstrom Stages of Stroke Recovery

What are the Brunnstrom Stages of Stroke Recovery?
The brunnstrom stages is one of the most well-known stroke recovery stages which
is also known as the Brunnstrom approach. The Brunnstrom stages was developed by
physical therapist Signe Brunnstrom in the 1960’s. When a stroke occurs,
typically it affects one side of the body. The Brunnstrom approach describes the
sequence of motor development and reorganization of the brain after stroke. So
you can check the status of your stroke recovery through the Brunnstrom stages.

You can think of it as a built in organizational system. Our brain automatically
recruits lower functioning reflexes, just to get any movement. Then it begins to
sort out what is useful and what connections we need to build at a higher level.

It's also a way to know what movement actions to take advantage of during your
post stroke rehabilitation.


Table of contents

 * Stage 1: Flaccidity
 * Stage 2: Spasticity Appears
 * Stage 3: Increased Spasticity
 * Stage 4: Decreased Spasticity
 * Stage 5: Spasticity Continues to Decrease
 * Stage 6: Spasticity Disappears and Coordination Reappears
 * How long will it take to recover from stroke?




What to do for Stroke Rehabilitation or stroke recovery in each stage


Stage 1: Flaccidity
During this stage the muscles on your affected side aren't able to move and they
might feel limp and floppy.

What can I do during this stage?
Passive range of motion [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7G97Fu3GuVU] is one of
the most important exercises you can do in this stage. Passive simply means that
you are using your other arm to assist with movement or someone else is moving
your arm for you.

The main reason to complete these exercises is that it increases sensory input
to the brain. Right now, there aren’t any signals being sent from the brain to
the muscle to activate it, but you can send signals from the skin and muscles
about touch and movement to the brain and remind your brain that your affected
side is awake and ready to learn again!

Stage 2: Spasticity Appears
In this stage, muscles may begin to tighten reflexively and have difficulty
relaxing. This is called spasticity
[https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/spasticity-and-stroke]. This movement is
usually involuntary and in response to an outside stimulus, such as a poke. The
brain is still having a difficult time sending any signals to the muscles for
voluntary movement.

What can I do in this stage?
Passive range of motion continues to be key in this stage. With spasticity
[http://www.neofect.com/us/blog/how-to-improve-spasticity-spinal-cord-injury/],
even passive movement can be challenging. When we don’t move a joint, the
tendons start to stiffen and can make movement even more difficult in the
future. Think of it as the hinge of a door that can get rusty and hard to open
over time if it’s not taken care of. Oil your joints with movement either
passive or active-assisted range of motion.

Active-assisted range of motion [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hise8ZUIAk] is
a combination of passive and active range of motion. You might be able to
activate your shoulder muscles to lift your arm up, but not all the way. For
active assisted range of motion, you want to activate the muscle as much as you
can and then use your unaffected hand to move the joint through the full range
of motion.



Stage 3: Increased Spasticity
During this stage, certain muscles might tighten more and can be more difficult
to relax. Multiple muscles might fire together when we try to move our affected
side. This is called a muscle synergy and we can use our synergies to complete
an activity if we understand it.

What can I do in this stage?
In addition to keeping up with your passive or active-assistive range of motion
exercises, it’s important to understand your synergies so you can use them
purposefully. The more we can send signals from the brain to the muscle the
stronger those signals become, and the best way to increase the amount of
signals is to incorporate your exercises into the things you already do during
the day.

There are two typical synergy patterns in this stage: the flexor synergy and the
extensor synergy. A flexor synergy at the arm would have the shoulder rotating
outward, at the same time the elbow flexes and forearm rotates out. Think about
the movement that happens when you try to touch the ear on the same side of your
body.

An extensor synergy is opposite: the shoulder rotates inward, the elbow
straightens, and the forearm rotates downward. Think about the movement that
would happen if the back of your hand touched the inside of your opposite knee.

If we know that these are the muscles that want to fire together, we can use it
to help function. For instance, you might be working on feeding yourself, but
struggling to reach your mouth. If you think about moving your shoulder does it
help move your elbow and get closer to your mouth? Little shifts in thinking can
help you be more successful, which will help encourage you to keep going!

Stage 4: Decreased Spasticity
During this stage of motor recovery, the involuntary muscle tightness
(spasticity) starts to decrease. Your brain is more successful at sending
signals to specific muscles to activate. You’re still likely to use muscle
synergies, but you're able to move outside of them as well.

What can I do in this stage?
This is when we want to focus on isolating movements and strengthening those
connections in the brain to certain muscles with active range of motion
exercises [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeYfdku7RA0]. Repetition is critical
for neural-reorganization. We can’t repair the damage that was done to the brain
after stroke, but we can teach a different area of the brain to do its job. We
want to do movements outside of our muscle synergies to improve how our brain
sends signals.

Stage 5: Spasticity Continues to Decrease
During this stage of motor recovery, the signals from the brain to the muscle
are even more successful and the muscle tightening of spasticity is minimal,
allowing your affected side after stroke to move more complexly.

What can I do in this stage?
Strengthening [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVQcgYQyzz0] is the key
ingredient in this stage. We’ve seen a progression in the stages, but also in
the treatment. We’ve started with passive range of motion, then moved to active
assisted range of motion, then active range of motion within synergies, then
isolating muscles. Now it’s time to add resistance to movement. Add small
weights or use a household item like a half-full water bottle to your exercises.
Incorporate theraband or theraputty to your daily routine.



Stage 6: Spasticity Disappears and Coordination Reappears
During this stage of motor recovery, spasticity
[hhttp://www.neofect.com/us/blog/how-to-improve-spasticity-spinal-cord-injury/] 
disappears completely and coordination quickly begins to improve. During this
stage motor control is almost fully restored!

What can I do in this stage?
Continue strengthening the muscles that need strengthening and add coordination
exercises that incorporate both sides of the body: golfing, shuffling cards,
etc. If there’s something you used to do that you want to get back to doing,
practice it. Your brain will be motivated to practice the coordination required
for an exciting activity.

How long will it take to recover from stroke?
As much as we'd like for there to be a clear cut answer, every person is
different. Some may see more rapid progress in days, weeks, or months after
stroke. It might take years for others. Some people may some may spend more time
than they would like to on a stage.

We do know that recovery has no end date. Some stroke patients and stroke
survivors(stroke victims) might not have an occupational therapist or
rehabilitation program to follow. Each day is a new opportunity to look at where
we're at and take action to get to where we want to be. The Brunnstrom approach
gives us roadmap.



--
Has a stroke left you or your loved one struggling to regain full functionality
in your arm or hand? Introducing the Neofect Smart Rehab
[https://shop.neofect.com/], a biofeedback training device.

Repetition is the key to increase mobility. Neofect Smart Rehab
[https://shop.neofect.com/] encourages repetition in a fun, engaging way through
interactive gamified training games, challenging you to improve arm and hand
function through neuroplasticity which is the brain's ability to retrain itself
after an injury. Through repetition, you can strengthen other pathways in the
brain to improve the use of your affected side.

Call us (888) 623-8984 [tel:+18886238984] or email us at info@neofect.com to 
start your smart rehab with the Neofect today.

Stroke Recovery

Discover 6 effective and affordable stroke rehab products.  The more you exercise and activate neuroplasticity, the faster you will see positive results.  Learn about these 6 stroke recovery gadgets you should consider today.

The most helpful 6 gadgets for Stroke survivors

You may be contemplating whether or not you should buy any stroke rehab products
for your recovery at home. In making that decision it is important to note that
in order to increase your muscle control and range of motion as fast as
possible, it is very important to train your brain by performing repetitive
motions. The more you exercise and activate neuroplasticity the faster you will
see positive results. Therefore, choosing proper rehap products is very
important for your stroke recovery.

Before purchasing any stroke rehab gadgets you should take all of the following
factors into consideration:

 1. Affordability: You may have already spent a lot of money on medical care
    after your stroke, therefore affordable stroke rehab products you can use at
    home can help decrease your therapy cost.
 2. Motivating: In order to get optimal results the equipment should be
    motivating to help you stick with the program and allow for follow through.
 3. Therapeutic feedback: Enables you to communicate with professional
    therapists regularly to make sure you are improving while utilizing the
    correct position and form.

Here are some of the best stroke rehab products for stroke survivors from 
Neofect [https://www.neofect.com/us/for-home], a smart rehabilitation solution
company.

The most helpful products for stroke survivors
 1. Positioning tool for those with mild hand spasticity
 2. High-tech stroke rehab product for hand
 3. Board for those with shoulder/elbow joint limitation rehab
 4. Digital pegboard for functional&cognitive rehab
 5. Computerized cognitive rehabilitation program
 6. Drop Foot Brace for foot stability and mobility


 1. Positioning tool for those with mild hand spasticity Neofect Extender


Neofect Extender
[https://shop.neofect.com/collections/add-on/products/neofect-extender?utm_source=Blog_Post&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=6_gadgets_extender&utm_term=20210520&utm_content=txt_neofect_extender] 
is a positioning tool for those with mild hand spasticity or weakness. The glove
helps minimize spasticity and maintains the appropriate stretch for functional
hand movement.With customizable tension straps the extender helps reduce
spasticity by encouraging the fingers into an extended open hand position. The
finger strapping can also be reversed to support secure grip while holding an
object. An Amazon customer states, “This glove really helps relieve the
stiffness in my fingers. I had a stroke 2 years ago so being able to move my
fingers to grip things again is huge progress for me.”

FEATURES

 * Silicone covered finger surfaces improve traction during grasping.
 * A non-slip liner minimizes migration during exercises & functional hand
   movements.
 * Chamude material provides ventilation and antibiotic properties which allow
   for comfortable long wear.
 * The exposed palm is designed to increase breathability & to make it easier to
   put on & take off.
 * hand-washable



 2. High-tech stroke rehab product for hand - Neofect Smart Glove


Neofect Smart Glove [https://www.neofect.com/us/smart-glove] is a high-tech
stroke rehab product for your hand that follows your hand motions, measuring the
slightest movements in your hand with accelerometer and bending sensors while
performing gamified exercises. It is a motivating way to perform progressive
hand exercises at home without using hand putty. The Smart Glove allows for a
more comprehensive and entertaining way to perform exercises that you will
actually look forward to doing. Neofect Smart Glove
[https://shop.neofect.com/collections/smart-rehab-solution/products/neofect-smart-glove] 
ensures that you do your exercises correctly and gives you instant feedback to
evaluate your performance with only minimal movement needed for success. A user,
Jess Mcnair from San Francisco CA says, “The smart glove has been an innovative,
exciting and accessible way to continue therapy at home. There have been
noticeable improvements in my right hand’s movement.” Visit here
[https://www.neofect.com/us/smart-glove] to learn more about Neofect Smart
Glove.



 3. Board for those with shoulder/elbow joint limitation rehab - Neofect Smart
Board


Neofect Smart Board [https://www.neofect.com/us/smart-board] is a medical device
that is accessible to any patient experiencing limitations in their shoulder or
elbow joints after a stroke. The Smart Board can help improve ones functional
reach and range of motion while using gamified activities such as tennis, ping
pong and finding diamonds in the sand, etc. Visit here
[https://www.neofect.com/us/smart-board] to learn more about Neofect shoulder &
elbow joint rehab product.



4. Digital pegboard for functional&cognitive rehab - Neofect Smart Pegboard


The Neofect Smart Pegboard [https://www.neofect.com/us/smart-pegboard] allows
for a fun way to strengthen fine motor skills by providing activities, which
requires the use of overall grasp and in hand manipulation. Based on the
client's needs, the activities can be made more or less difficult. The Neofect
Smart Pegboard
[https://shop.neofect.com/collections/smart-rehab-solution/products/neofect-smart-pegboard] 
takes your traditional pegboard and brings it into the 21st century, adding a
digital training program that lights up the board and interacts with you as you
do your exercises. The Neofect Smart Pegboard offers a wide range of fun and
interactive games and challenges that makes users think about where to place the
pegs on the board, working on skills like planning, organization and reaction
time. The Neofect Smart Pegboard offers a variety of exciting games that
increases overall visual motor skills, memory, decision making, information
processing, hand coordination, and perceptual skills.



 5. Computerized cognitive rehabilitation program - Neofect Cognition


Neofect Cognition [https://www.neofect.com/us/cognition] is a brain re-training
software that focuses on attention and cognition. Cognitive training is
essential for successful community living and independence in everyday life.
This software has been shown to improve working memory for users with
Alzheimer’s. Cognition has also helped patients with brain injuries increase
their attention span. Cognition uses computer assisted cognitive rehab along
with Neofect’s learning algorithm to guide a user through cognitive training
based on their skill level. Cognitive skills refer to the intellectual
activities that encompass memory, reasoning, attention and language. Damage to
cognitive function can cause difficulties in ones’ daily life. Promoting brain
neuroplasticity is a key element to the cognitive rehabilitation process after a
brain injury. Neuroplasticity is a concept that states that the brain will
essentially rewire itself to compensate for the area of injury or damage.
Cognitive rehabilitation focuses on the importance of retraining the brain.



6. Drop Foot Brace for foot stability and mobility - Neofect Drop Foot Brace

Neofect Drop Foot Brace
[https://shop.neofect.com/collections/add-on/products/neofect-drop-foot-brace?utm_source=Blog_Post&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=6_gadgets_dropfoot&utm_term=20210520&utm_content=txt_neofect_dropfoot] 
is an ankle and foot brace for people who have neurological disorders or nerve
injuries. The brace maintains foot dorsiflexion and prevents the foot from
inverting while ambulating. With its ergonomic design, the brace helps
individuals to walk more naturally while assisting with lifting the toes and
keeping the ankle in alignment. The Drop Foot Brace is designed to support the
ankle while keeping the foot dorsiflexed.

Different sized straps are available to increase ankle stability. 3 high tension
straps and 1 low tension strap provides appropriate support to improve ones
gait. A 2mm foot pad provides support in order to keep the toes from clawing
during ambulation. Neofect’s Drop Foot brace is made from a fabric material that
accommodates for socks and shoes. Many people who experience foot drop may also
experience numbness due to nerve damage. The Neofect Drop Foot
[https://shop.neofect.com/collections/add-on/products/neofect-drop-foot-brace]’s
open heel design allows for increased sensation and motion during gait and
activities of daily living.


*Neofect Home Inquiry:
-www.neofect.com [https://www.neofect.com/us/for-home]
-Phone: (888) 623-8984 [tel:+18886238984]



--
Has a stroke left you or your loved one struggling to regain full functionality
in your arm or hand? Introducing the Neofect Smart Rehab
[https://shop.neofect.com/], a biofeedback training device.

Repetition is the key to increase mobility. Neofect Smart Rehab
[https://shop.neofect.com/] encourages repetition in a fun, engaging way through
interactive gamified training games, challenging you to improve arm and hand
function through neuroplasticity which is the brain's ability to retrain itself
after an injury. Through repetition, you can strengthen other pathways in the
brain to improve the use of your affected side.

Call us (888) 623-8984 [tel:+18886238984] or email us at info@neofect.com to 
start your smart rehab with the Neofect today.

Gadgets for Stroke

The most helpful 6 gadgets for stroke survivors

 A variety of exercise sequences can assist with maintaining range of motion and improving hand function following stroke.

Hand Exercise for Stroke Rehabilitation

Hand Exercise for Stroke Rehabilitation
Due to the size of the area of the brain responsible for the motion of the hand,
and the complexity of hand movement, it’s typical to experience hand dysfunction
following a stroke. To improve your mobility and dexterity, repetition and
task-based practice is the key to motor recovery. Generally, the improvement of
motor function happens from proximal to distal or near the trunk, working its
way outward toward the extremities. A variety of exercise sequences can assist
with maintaining range of motion and improving hand function following stroke.

Workout Examples for Stroke Patients
 * Stretching: Often after stroke, patients experience tone or tightness in the
   hand. In order to manage that tone and improve flexibility, stretching the
   fingers daily is important. Be careful to stretch the whole hand, taking care
   not to cause hyperextension of the fingers.




 * Weight bearing: Depending on the scale of the recovery of paralysis and the
   tone or tightness experienced, weight bearing can have multiple positive
   effects. By placing the hand on a flat surface, weight bearing can serve as a
   stretch as well as an opportunity to provide input to the hand and arm,
   reminding the individual of its position in space.




 * Working on fine motor control * Attempt to move fingers individually. (By the
      way, there is a great training activity in the Smart Glove program that
      does just that as the user plays along to music.)
    * Pick up household items and place them in a
      container to encourage grasp, release and reach
    * Fasten buttons or other fasteners to practice
      manipulating small objects
   
   

Before starting a rehabilitation program at home, it is best to visit an
occupational or physical therapist to provide guidance on your home rehab
program. If it’s difficult to get rehabilitation in an outpatient setting on a
regular enough basis, which can often be the case, Smart Rehabilitation can be a
great supplement to your home program.

Neofect Smart Rehabilitation Solutions [https://www.neofect.com/us] are designed
to assist in the rehabilitation of neurological and musculoskeletal system
disorders. Our Smart Rehab tools encourage repetition and engagement by turning
the arm or hand into a controller for fun training activities to improve range
of motion, coordination and timing. For more information, visit our website -
www.neofect.com [https://www.neofect.com/us].


*Neofect Home Inquiry:
-www.neofect.com [https://www.neofect.com/us]
-Phone: (888) 623-8984 [tel:+18886238984]